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Hello everyone! Soooo this is my last post for my Italy Series! Maybe some of you have been to Venice, Italy, or seen it in the movies? It’s a very enchanting city and very romantic place for couples! I was only five years old when my parents took me to Venice in 2013. So I wanted to write about my trip, I had to go back and look at all my pictures, then research about all of ‘em.

In 2013 my parents and I went on a European trip. We flew in to Paris, France and stayed there for three days! It was a trip just for my mom’s glorious birthday. 🙃 Then we took the plane ride to Monte Carlo, Monaco where we stayed for another three days, and we took the train again to Venice. After Venice we took the train to Geneva, Switzerland, and we stayed there for two days before we went back to Canada. 😄 Lot’s of traveling…

NOW, history lesson time: Venice is built of more than one hundred small islands that are separated by canals and linked by over four hundred bridges. Venice came into being after the fall of the Roman Empire in the West. The Lombard, (Germanic people) whose visits into northern Italy began in AD 568. This caused great numbers of mainlanders onto the islands of the lagoon. The islands are in the shallow Venetian Lagoon, but it is in danger of sinking. The water levels are now permanently above the original damp proof courses of older homes and buildings in the city. Saltwater attacks the clay bricks causing them to crumble and let in more water. Aaaand the ground floor of many of Venice’s buildings are not very fun, they are mushy and wet. Even some local resident are leaving the city. To preserve them and prevent erosion, underwater barriers have been installed to reduce the quantity of water entering the lagoon. It is called Modulo Sperimentale Elettromeccanico in Venice, better known as MOSE. I hope this works because I don’t want this beautiful city to sink. 😮

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History lesson status: OVER.

Once you get out of the train station the city will welcome you with the beautiful view! We took a water taxi to take us to our hotel, Hilton Molino Stucky Hotel. It was once a flour mill built between 1884 and 1895, but now beautifully renovated to a five-star hotel. It’s located in Giudecca Island, a five minute boat ride to the heart of Venice. It is fun because it means more boat ride for me! The hotel has a large roof top pool which gives you a great view of Venice, and a Nutella Bar! (Yes it’s a thing, I have photographic evidence!) it was actually closed when we went there 😕 BUT I would love to try it!

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Our first stop was to Piazza San Marco (St. Mark’s Square). It’s wide open area and you can see the pictures of buildings I have mentioned below. Venice boast the city’s aristocracy and very impressive view from the sea. It is a reminder of Venice’s centuries-old legacy as a powerful maritime republic. Doge’s Palace is a palace built in Venetian Gothic style. The palace was the residence of the chief magistrate and leader of the Republic of Venice between 726 and 1797. The Campanile was rebuilt in 1902–1912. It was initially intended as a watchtower to see incoming ships and protect the entry to the city. Now, it is a bell tower!

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Procuratie Vecchie (picture below) was built early 16th century. They were apartments that were rented by the procurators (they are responsible for administering the assets of St. Mark’s Basilica) as a source of revenue to finance building projects and repairs. Today, it is the offices of the procurators that work closely with architects and engineers to ensure the historic preservation of St. Mark’s Basilica. Procuratie Nuove was built in the late 16th century. Right now, on the ground floor they are rented out for stores, workshops, and coffeehouses.

Procuratie Nuovissime, The building in the middle and also known as the Napoleonic Wing. It was built between 1805–1815 during French occupation. Today, you can find Correr Museum in Procuratie Nuove and the Procuratie Nuovissime. That’s a large area to look around. I think you need a day or two to visit the buildings and museums here!

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We lined up to go in to St. Mark’s Basilica. The relic of Saint Mark, the author of the Gospel of Mark, was here. The basilica has more than five hundred columns and 85,000 square feet of intricate, golden mosaics adorning the main portal and the interiors of its five domes. The museum contains a beautiful collection of carpets, liturgies, (noooo idea what that is…) and tapestries.

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St. Mark’s Horses are bronze horses stood on the loggia (a roofed open gallery especially at an upper story overlooking an open court) of St. Mark’s basilica until 1977. After meticulous restoration, they were then moved to the museum in 1982. These horses were brought back from Constantinople (an ancient city in modern-day Turkey that’s now known as Istanbul), during the 4th Crusade. Now, replica horses are displayed on the loggia instead.

After spending time at the piazza, it was time for the highlights of the trip, the gondola ride! It was a nice and peaceful ride through all the buildings and churches in Venice. It was, and still is, a major means of transportation. I was a little scared because the boat was so low, and I didn’t want the boat to take on water and sink, leaving us in the lagoon. But the gondolier (Bahaha, gondolier) was very skilled to steer the gondola!

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Due to COVID-19 in Canada, patio dining is enforced in some provinces, but in Europe most eating areas are outside. It’s nice because you can enjoy the beautiful view outside while enjoying your meal! I had pizza for lunch of course! 🍕

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The Rialto Bridge is one of the four main bridges in Grand Canal. It is the most popular and the oldest bridge in Venice. It was a pontoon bridge originally, and it has been rebuilt many times. The Rialto Market is getting busier and they needed a stronger bridge due to more people coming to the market. The present stone bridge, a single span designed by Antonio da Ponte, began construction in 1588 and was completed in 1591. Michelangelo was considered as designer of the bridge.

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Below are more pictures in Venice. We walked along the winding streets where we found stylish cafes and gelaterias, souvenir shops, and small businesses. My parents were very careful not to get lost. 🤪 There are so many interesting stores to see… I came across a picture of these beautiful colorful masks. They are for Venice Carnival celebration in February. 🎭 In 1094, official documents brought traces of public celebrations in the last days before Lent, (the Christian season of spiritual preparation before Easter). During Lent, many Christians observe a period of fasting, repentance, moderation, self-denial, and spiritual discipline. So the carnival is a celebration before Easter where people could indulge in music, dances, and parties that goes on for several weeks. Wearing masks and costumes made it possible for people to hide any differences of class or status, and it was even allowed to make fun of the aristocracy. In present time, the participants can win an award for best costume at the end of the celebration. It looks like so much fun to be in Venice and see it for my self! Venice Carnival is similar to Mardi Gras celebration in United States of America, and Halloween where people can dress up!

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Aaaaand that pretty much wraps up my Italy Series posts! I hope you enjoyed it! Let me know in the comment below which city in Italy would you like to visit someday or your favorite city that you visited! Have a nice day 🤍

Check out my other posts!

When in Rome, Do as the Romans do!

Rome Part II

Florence, the Birthplace of Renaissance

The Leaning Tower of Pisa

Cruising in Genoa